Medway turns a shade of blue

by Sarah Shaffi

Gillingham and Rainham Labour candidate Paul Clark was ousted from his constituency by a former member of his own party.

Rehman Chishti, for the Conservatives, won the seat with 21,624 votes compared to Mr Clark's 12,944.

The Tory previously served as a Labour councillor on Medway Council.

Mr Chishti said: "It has been a long day but it has been a fair day and a thorough day.

"I thank my colleagues, the other candidates, for putting up a strong fights, because it's only in the interests of democracy to have a strong fight.

"I will work day and night to ensure the people of Gillingham and Rainham get the strongest voice and representation in parliament."

The MP said he would be at work on Saturday morning in his constituency holding one of his street stalls.

Mr Clark, who served as transport minister, said he was honoured to have served Gillingham and Rainham as MP.

He said: "I will remain committed to my principles and those embedded in the Labour party."

He also thanked his supporters and revealed he was unsure about his next moves.

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